Proton VPN: The finest no-cost VPN offering unrestricted data usage.
Pros
- Free plan has no data usage limits
- Fast speeds on free & paid-for servers
- AES 256-bit cipherage & privacy-first logging policy
- Secure Core technology provides higher encryption
- IPv6 leak blocking capabilities
- All apps are open-source & independently audited
Cons
- No 24/7 live chat support
- No Smart DNS for unblocking apps
- Paid plan almost as expensive as ExpressVPN
- Free version doesn’t unblock streaming services
- Torrent traffic blocked on free servers
Overall Rating : 9.0/10
This comprehensive score is computed by considering the ratings of nine distinct categories.
- Privacy & Logging Policy: 9.5/10
- Speed: 8.6/10
- Security & Technical Features: 9.0/10
- Streaming: 9.5/10
- Torrenting: 9.2/10
- Ease of Use: 9.1/10
- Bypassing Censorship: 6.5/10
- Server Locations: 8.8/10
- Customer Support: 8.6/10
Proton VPN originated from the creators of the secure email service, ProtonMail, which underscores its strong emphasis on privacy and security.
The VPN offers both a no-cost and a premium variant. Among the free options we’ve assessed, the software version from Proton VPN stands out as the most exceptional.
All Proton VPN applications are open-source and employ robust connection protocols and AES-256 encryption, ensuring secure and encrypted communication.
Review Proton VPN: The free VPN with the best rating
Among the free VPNs we’ve examined and assessed, the free edition of Proton VPN stands out as the most exceptional. It allows continuous usage without any data restrictions.
The application is entirely devoid of advertisements, and in our most recent evaluations, we observed commendable connection speeds when linking to all three available free server locations.
The free application upholds the identical security protocols as its premium counterpart. Additionally, we have consistently not encountered any instances of IP or DNS leaks while using Proton VPN Free.
However, it’s important to note that this free VPN is not suitable for torrenting or bypassing restrictions on streaming websites. The application will not function for these purposes.
For tasks like streaming and torrenting, Windscribe proves to be a significantly more effective free VPN option.
Visit Proton VPN official website
Proton VPN: Strong encryption and security configuration
Proton VPN is synonymous with exceptionally secure and encrypted VPN connections.
The application employs the OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols, along with the AES-256 cipher and Forward Secrecy (FS) mechanism.
Proton VPN generates distinct encryption key sets at regular intervals, which reduces the volume of data within each key.
Just like all the other VPNs we endorse in this guide, Proton VPN incorporates a functional kill switch feature to guard against unexpected disruptions in the VPN connection.
Moreover, the premium plan of the VPN incorporates Secure Core technology, enhancing security by introducing an additional layer of protection across 40 of its servers.
The technology routes traffic through several servers before transmitting it to the intended application or website. This approach is akin to the Multihop and Double VPN features utilized by NordVPN and Surfshark.
Missing a number of crucial features
Although Proton VPN is a commendable VPN service, regrettably, it doesn’t offer the same level of value for your money as some other top-rated providers.
The most favorable price you can secure is $4.99 per month through a two-year subscription, which surpasses the cost of better-ranked services.
Even though Proton VPN’s monthly price might not appear overly expensive, the service falls short in delivering certain features that are typically anticipated in a VPN of its caliber.
Notably absent are a Smart DNS service and round-the-clock live chat support.
Who would benefit the most from Proton VPN?
Proton VPN is a suitable choice if:
- You prioritize top-tier VPN security. Proton VPN’s applications are open-source, subject to independent audits, and implement AES-256 bit encryption, bolstered by Secure Core technology for enhanced security.
- You frequently utilize Tor in conjunction with a VPN. Proton VPN provides ‘Tor via VPN’ servers, facilitating swift connections to the Tor network.
However, Proton VPN might not be the best fit if:
- You intend to stream content on devices like Apple TV and gaming consoles. The absence of Smart DNS functionality in Proton VPN can pose challenges in unblocking content on such platforms.
- You are seeking VPN browser extensions for quick IP location changes while browsing. Proton VPN does not offer any browser extensions to enable swift changes to your IP location within the browser.
Explore Proton VPN official website for more information.